Minnesota guide Dustin Monson of Hawg Hunterz Guide Service gives his latest Buzz Bite Report for the Brainerd Lakes Area in December 5th, 2023.
Brainerd Lakes Area: 12-5-2023
Ice fishing opportunities have arrived in the Brainerd Lakes Area and the fish under the ice are active and biting. Many lakes in the area have iced over though most large lakes and channels are still open, thin and dangerous, so practice safety first on all early ice bodies of water.
I’ve continued the lookout for small, shallow lakes (under 500 acres) with 4+” of ‘safer ice’ to walk on and fish. Make sure you’re checking ice conditions frequently.
On smaller, shallower bodies of water northern pike, bass, and panfish can be caught in weedy bays and shallow basins.
Catch crappies in bays and weedy shorelines under 12ft of water. Jig crappies with 1/16oz or 1/32oz jig tipped with a Mister Twister Sassy Stingum, 1/16-ounce Lindy Frostee spoon or glide-bait style lure.
Aggressive jigging will bring schools in, although it’s a good idea to drill several holes and jig 10 to 15 minutes in each hole before moving to the next hole or spot due to the movement of fish during early ice.
Bluegills have been hitting tungsten jigs tipped with the tail end of a Mister Twister Sassy Stingum or wax worm. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows and spoons tipped with a minnow head.
Walleyes are active at low light periods and cruising the shallows during the day. Walleyes are hitting minnows on set lines and spoons tipped with a minnow head jigged near bottom in 8-13ft of water.
